Four Auburn Players Poised to Have a Breakout Year on Offense in 2017

It’s just 12 days till kick off for the Auburn football team. After finishing second in the SEC Western Division in 2016, the Tigers enter the 2017 season with several new faces along with several questions.

Perhaps the biggest of which is how much can the Tiger offense rebound from a disappointing 8–5 season that saw the offensive production grow stagnant with late season injuries at quarterback and running back.

New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey is expected to add some new schemes, giving plenty of opportunities for players to have a breakout year.

This week we will look at four players from the offense whom I believe are poised to make a big impact. Next week we will look at four defensive players that could be very important in helping the Tigers contend for a championship.

Here are four offensive players set to have a breakout season heading into 2017:

* Nate Craig-Myers, WRThe Auburn receiving corps took a back seat to the running game in the Tiger offense last year. In an effort to improve the air attack, Malzahn has emphasized receivers in the last two recruiting classes and hired passing guru Chip Lindsey to open things up.

Near the top of the touted receiver group is Craig-Myers, who came in ranked as the nation’s No. 6 wide receiver. He hasn’t done much since arriving on the Plains, playing behind Tony Stevens and dealing with injuries. In fact, Kyle Davis got more snaps last year due to Nate’s being banged up most of the year. But the former five-star is in his best health since arriving on campus and he had five receptions for 154 yards in April on A-Day.

Adding to his good health is the fact he’s developed a good chemistry with the new quarterback Jarrett Stidham. “I feel like now, as we’re progressing, we’re getting better,” said Nate. “We’re clicking on the right timing… It’s a pretty good relationship.” In addition, the 6′ 2″ receiver is a good blocker, an important commodity in the Malzahn offense.

* Prince Tega Wanagho, offensive tackle

Wanagho is a remarkable story. With only one year of football experience, he was ranked by Rivals, Scout, 247 Sports, and ESPN among the top 10 strong-side defensive ends in his class. Recruited to use his height and speed at defensive end, he was moved last year to the O-line.

A swimmer and basketball player in high school, he has tremendous athleticism. And at 6’ 7” his long arms will help him both with the pass rush and with blocking assignments. Auburn offensive guard Mike Horton said, “His athleticism is one of the biggest things that I think helps him. And he’s aggressive, too.”

Wanagho played in 10 games last season for the Tigers as the backup to left tackle Darius James. But Coach Herb Hand said, “From where he was at this time last year to where he is now is an astronomical difference.” And it now appears James will move to the right side, and the Prince will take over the all important left tackle position guarding the quarterback’s blind side. That’s a big assignment to be trusted with, and the veteran coach Hand believes he can handle it.

* Sal Cannella, tight end/WR

A versatile player, Sal Cannela could play tight end or wide receiver. The tight end position has not been utilized much in the Malzahn passing game except for blocking assignments, but when the TE is part of the passing game it brings another dimension to the table. The Tigers have thrown a forward pass to the tight end only two times in the past two seasons and both were touchdowns. That is expected to change under Chip Lindsey, who has a reputation for incorporating tight ends into his game plan.

Enter Canella, who caught 31 receptions for 521 yards and seven scores last year at Scottsdale Community College where he finished his time in Arizona as the No. 1 JUCO tight end in the country.

His versatility reminds Auburn tailback Kerryon Johnson of former Tiger, C.J. Uzomah. “He catches a lot of contested balls, he’s a big target, he knows how to use his body to block off defenders,” said Johnson. “He knows how to go and get the ball. He’s a sneaky athlete. I think he’s going to be very big for us this year … I think he’s got it all.”

While Jalen Harris seems to be entrenched in the position, expect Cannela to also get plenty of playing time both at TE and receiver. Lindsey may also run a two TE set, lining Harris up beside the tackle and moving Cannella out wide as a receiver making the defense having to respect two big guys.

* Jarrett Stidham, quarterback

The last name on the list is no surprise. Jarrett Stidham came to Auburn as the nation’s No. 1 JUCO transfer. He threw for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns in three starts as a freshman at Baylor. Coming off the bench in his first career appearance, he threw for 419 yards and three touchdowns against Kansas State.

When he announced his intention to transfer, the national media immediately focused on where he would land. Through spring and fall camp he has not disappointed. Jarrett received the A-Day MVP award after hitting four passes of 30 yards or more while completing 16 of his 20 passes for 267 yards—in just one half of play.

Many think he may be the best passer that Malzahn has ever had. In addition, he will be paired with the most touted group of wide receivers that Auburn has fielded in a long time. If he can live up to his billing, the Tigers should have a big year in 2017.

P W Elder is a history buff, upland bird hunter, and Track 'em Tigers' Managing Editor. He loves tailgating with his family and friends, following all things Auburn, and spending time with his wife in the Loveliest Village on The Plains. View Profile →

11 Comments

This offense reminds me of 2004 with an NFL quality QB and 2 NFL capable running backs. I would love to see Stidham stretch the field with long passes and and use more play action high percentage passes out of the backfield to KJ, Cox, and Kam Pettway.

And as for who I would see as a breakout player, I would put Kyle Davis on the list.

Marquis McClain is a guy I’ve completely overlooked this preseason but you are spot on here. He had a tremendous showing bowl practice at the end of last season and he definitely seems poised to bust out from under the radar this year. It’s an exciting time potentially for the Auburn offense.

Great post ATM. My vote would include Kyle Davis. Hope we don’t underestimate his talent at WR. With all this offensive talent we have at our disposal, is there a legitimate defense that can stop us?? Other than say Bama. Again, great picks and keep up the great work. War Eagle!!

I agree with all four picks. I think Nate will be special this year. I saw great things from him earlier. I also hope the coaches pass to the tight ends and guys out of the backfield including fullbacks.

My only concern is the Prince after he broke his leg. However, I think playing OT will impart less stress on that lower leg than playing DL. There should be less torque on those two bones since OT exerts a little more effort concentrated over the center of gravity.

With all of the talk about a big passing game I just hope Lindsey doesn’t get away from the strength of Pettway and KJ. That being said, I think Kam Martin is also someone I will be watching on offense this year.

Agreed. But at some point (Until a Nick Marshall-esque player returns, Auburn has to have a potent passing attack to contend for the SEC West and beyond. KP and KJ (along with Martin or Miller as well) will get plenty of love. Trust me.